Xbox One Bundles: Which to Buy

In the space of six months Microsoft’s Xbox One console has went from being a device with a very limited amount of options to a powerhouse. Today, there’s so many Limited Edition and exclusive Xbox One bundles that it’s hard to keep up, much less know which one you should plan on purchasing this fall. Here’s what you need to know about each Xbox One bundle and some advice on which you should be purchasing.

The Basic Bundles

The Xbox One + Kinect Bundle

The fun starts with the Xbox One bundles that you might have already heard about. Originally, Microsoft launched the Xbox One for $499.99 with a Kinect 2 sensor and a wireless controller. That console also included an Xbox One chat headset. Today, that original Xbox One bundle is known as the Xbox One + Kinect and still costs $499.99 With it users get a 500GB hard drive.

Today, this is the Xbox One families should be purchasing because it’s the only way to get the Kinect 2 sensor. Without that sensor the Xbox One won’t recognize people when they walk into a room, it won’t be able to control television sets and users can’t play games without a controller.

The Xbox One Bundle

Aptly titled, the Xbox One Bundle is just what its name says it is. Users who purchase the core Xbox One at $399 get the Xbox One console itself, a chat headset and a wireless controller. That’s it, there’s no Kinect 2 sensor included inside the box.

The Xbox One Bundle is aimed at users who want an Xbox One but aren’t sold on the Kinect 2 sensor. So for example, if users who aren’t worried about young children being able to play games without a controller and have no desire to use the Xbox One as a cable box replacement, this is the bundle for them.

Microsoft has confirmed that users will be able to purchase this Xbox One’s Kinect 2 sensor separately, but we don’t know when and for how much, making this Xbox One a bit of a gamble for users who think they might want that voice and gesture support in the future.

The Bundles With Free Games

Forza 5 Xbox One Bundle

When it was clear that it would have to add a little extra value for potential Xbox One buyers, Microsoft introduced two new bundles. Both of those bundles included an Xbox One + Kinect and a digital copy of either Forza 5 or Titanfall. The Titanfall Xbox One Bundle has long since vanished from most store shelves but the Xbox One + Kinect with Forza Motorsport 5 bundle is still readably available at Microsoft’s own retail website.

Users get the Kinect sensor, a headset, wireless controller, Kinect 2 sensor and a code that lets them download Forza 5 from the Xbox Store for free. It’s priced at $499.99, making it a much better deal than the standard edition Xbox One bundle.

Xbox One Madden NFL 15 Bundle

At just $399, the Xbox One Madden NFL 15 Bundle is completely designed for users who don’t need a Kinect but do want to upgrade to the Xbox One – possibly to play Madden NFL 15, the next installment in Electronic Arts’ famed football series. Like the other bundles, users get a wireless controller, chat headset and an Xbox One with 500GB of storage. Xbox One Madden NFL 15 Bundle buyers get a free downloadable copy of Madden NFL 15 and some in-game currency to build out their own custom team.

The Xbox One Madden NFL 15 Bundle launches on August 26th alongside the game.

Xbox One FIFA 15 Bundle

Whereas the Xbox One Madden NFL 15 Bundle makes it easy for football fans in the United States to upgrade to the Xbox One on the cheap, the Xbox One FIFA 15 Bundle does the same for users in Europe. Unfortunately, no one in the United States will be picking up FIFA 15 and an Xbox One together.

The Custom Console Bundles

Until now, every Xbox One bundle has been a rehash of the same two basic bundles that Microsoft introduced last year and earlier this year. That is to say, that the Xbox One console that users get in the bundles are identical. They’re black and each include 500GB storage.

Recently Microsoft changed the game when it revealed two new Xbox One consoles that don’t match the others.

Xbox One Special Edition Sunset Overdrive Bundle

Sunset Overdrive is one of the few high-profile titles coming to the Xbox One exclusively this year. In celebration of that Microsoft is bundling the game with a new white Xbox One. This white Xbox One will come complete with a matching controlling, plus a few bonus weapons and extras for $399. That’s the same price as the basic Xbox One.

Xbox One Special Edition Sunset Overdrive Bundle buyers will need to purchase a Kinect 2 sensor separately. The bundle debuts alongside Sunset Overdrive on October 28th. Users still get 500GB of internal storage.

Xbox One Limited Edition Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Bundle

The glowing white hue of the Xbox One that comes with Sunset Overdrive may be unique, but that console doesn’t come close to topping the Xbox One Limited Edition Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Bundle.

At $499, it’s definitely not cheap. The console and matching controller are all painted in matte black and gray with glowing orange accents everywhere. Both the controller and console are also covered in decals that fit the style of the weapons users will encounter in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare when it debuts on November 4th.

Users who purchase the console get a chat headset, in-game sound effects, some extra content and a digital download of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. What truly makes this console unique is that it’s the only Xbox One to feature a whopping terabyte of storage inside its casing. That’s something other Xbox One owners have to attach an external hard drive to get.

Really, go with your instincts. If you’d like to save some cash and don’t need a Kinect 2 sensor, go with one of the many bundles that doesn’t include one. You’ll save and still have the option to add it when it becomes available. Whatever you do, don’t buy one of those basic bundles though. Be sure to pick up an Xbox One with a digital game download. You can easily save yourself $60 that way.